If you are interested in roller derby, playing roller derby, being a referee, being a volunteer or being a fan leader.....then this is where you come. We will introduce you to the team and to the game and how it all works. Women of all ages, skill level, body types and backgrounds are welcome.

Not sure what Roller Derby is all about? Modern day Roller Derby is not the roller derby of the 1970's with women who are out to kill each other. Todays Roller Derby is a serious sport combining strategy, athleticism and teamwork. Leagues, both adult and junior, are gaining in polularity as more people (especially girls) want to participate in a team sport but not necessarily the "traditional" sports.

Basics of playRoller derby is played by two teams of five members simultaneously skating counterclockwise on a circuit track. Each team designates a scoring player (the "jammer"); the other four members are "blockers." One blocker is designated as a "pivot"—a blocker allowed to become a jammer in the course of play. The jammer wears a helmet cover bearing two stars; the pivot wears a striped cover; the remaining members' helmets are uncovered.

The bout is played in two periods of 30 minutes. Point scoring occurs during "jams": plays that last up to two minutes. During a jam, points are scored when a jammer in scoring position laps members of an opposing team.[12] Each team's blockers use body contact, changing positions, and other tactics to assist its jammer to score while hindering the opposing team's jammer. Certain types of blocks and other play are violations; referees call penalties and require violators to spend time in a penalty box.

Who can play - The Balsam Mountain Roller Girls is an inclusive roller derby team for any woman age 18+ with an interest and willingness to learn and participate in this sport. We hold practices to teach the rules and basic skating techniques, and we will not actually compete until the team is confident that they can do so safely. We also encourage players to skate whenever they can in addition to organized practices.

Join- New members are welcome on Sundays. First practice is free with a signed waiver and limited participation. Second practice you will need to bring copy of state id, sign BMRG Bylaws, pay dues ($40/month which includes monthly membership to all regular public skating session at SMS) and begin acquiring gear. You should try to have gear within about 2 weeks.

Practice - Practice is held on Sundays and Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 at Smoky Mountain Sk8way. Sunday nights are low impact with Thursday being high impact night.